The Scotch whisky industry is poised for a significant uplift as the United States officially removed all tariffs on UK whisky products from today, 24 July 2026. This landmark agreement, which eliminates duties on a product highly valued in the US market, is the culmination of extensive engagement led by the UK Government and was finalised during His Majesty The King’s visit in April.
The US represents the largest market by value for Scotch whisky, with exports to the country alone reaching £1 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 20% of all UK whisky exports. The removal of these tariffs is expected to foster increased trade and investment, providing a considerable boost to distilleries across Scotland and the wider UK.
To mark the occasion, Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in Glasgow. Speaking from the distillery, Secretary Alexander hailed the move as a "day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry," emphasising that the tariff removal would "open up opportunities for growth and prominence" for the beloved Scottish product in American towns and cities. He also highlighted the broader implications, stating it demonstrates the strong partnership between the two countries and their close working relationship in trade.
This latest development follows another major success for the industry this month: the India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into force earlier in July. Under the India FTA, tariffs on whisky were immediately reduced from 150% to 75%, with a further reduction to 40% planned over the next ten years. Secretary Alexander noted that businesses have also benefited from recent deals with other key markets including China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, and the European Union.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) estimates that the industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and an additional 25,000 across the UK. Ian Duddy, International Director at the SWA, welcomed the return of tariff-free trade, stating it provides "greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US." He added that the benefits would extend beyond the whisky sectors to wider supply chains, including cooperages, farmers, hospitality, and retail.
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Aged Spirits and Champagne division, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the UK Government for securing the reduced tariffs. Fouad emphasised that improved market access, as seen through these trade deals, directly translates into economic growth for Scotland and the UK.